We Have History.
Established in 1952 as the Milan Business Association, the Chamber has been a cornerstone of the town’s economic development. With a name change to the Milan Chamber of Commerce in 1954,
it expanded its mission to support not just local businesses, but the overall growth and well-being of the community.
Over the decades, the Chamber has played an essential role in shaping Milan’s business landscape, fostering collaboration, and organizing key events that bring businesses and residents together.
Its history is filled with milestones that reflect its commitment to both economic progress and maintaining Milan's close-knit community spirit.
Historical Milestones.
1952
1954
1955
1956
1960
1962
1964
1965
1966
1967
1975
1981
1983
1984
1985
1986
1986
Milan Business Association formed under the leadership of the first President, Harold Brown.
Name changed to Milan Chamber of Commerce
Milan Chamber volunteered leadership to the annual Milan Santa Fund which was originated in 1939 by the Kings Daughters.
Four grade school districts- Milan, Doxee, Ginger Hill and Ridgewood were nominated to have the Rock Island Board annex them into their system.
Milan Womens Club assumed leadership of the Milan Santa Fund, with the goal of a united community effort.
An open meeting was held at the American Legion building to consider the question of the one-way traffic on West 3rd and West 4th streets.
Dinner meeting concept initiated (Chamber was men only). Meetings rotated between Bringer' Inn and Marandos.
Illinois State Governor Otto Kerner was in Milan for dedication of I-280 segment opened from Moline to Milan.
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The Chamber opposed the one-way street program in Milan on West 3rd and West 4th Street.
Jefferson School in Milan opened at a cost of $666,000
Spouses started attending Chamber dinner meetings.
Committee appointed by Chamber to work with the Village of Milan on erecting a permanent dike for flood control.
The Chamber commissioned a Moline architect to study and prepare a drawing of "Refinishing Main Street Buildings."
The Chamber endorsed a trial period of converting West 3rd and West 4th Street into one-way streets.
The Chamber became active with the Bicentennial Commission where the main activity was raising funds for a community swimming pool. The money raised was later utilized as seed money for the Milan Community Center.
The Chamber paid for a new flag pole and lights to be put in the triangle at the entrance to Milan on Hwy 67.
Miriam Ralston elected as the first woman President of the Chamber.
The flood project was endorsed by the Chamber at a public hearing hosted at W.L. Eddy School.
A gift of $5000 was given to the Milan Community Center for the brick planter and bench at the entrance.
The Economic Development Committee was formed.
The Economic Development Committee received a grant of $13,200 to do market research and develop & print business packets on Milan.
The Chamber voted against joining Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber donated $1000 to RKO Theater Renovation Fund.
The Chamber donated $1000 to help keep the Quad Cities Open Golf Tournament in existence.
The Chamber joined the Milan Indian Summer Festival as one of six sponsoring organizations.
The Chamber was instrumental in the organization of the Tax Incremental Funding (TIF) District in the Village of Milan.
The Chamber assisted with the development of a recreation path on top of the levee.
The Chamber donated $1000 to the Rock Island Conservatory.
Our Original Members.
Howard Blakely Palmer Motors
Grant Brissman Brissman's Auto Supply
Harold Brown B&B Hardware
Ralston Crouch Milan Variety
Paul Dugan Dugan's Market
James Hughes Hughes Sinclair
William Johnson Milan Drug
Max Larson O.T. Larson Insurance
Orville McCullough McCullough's Department Store
Roy McGovern McGovern Insurance
Leo Mohr Bringer's Inn
Sylvester Stacey Stacey's Cleaners
"Pop" Stone "Pop's" Restaurant
Stan Stone Milan Motel
Honoring Our
Past Presidents.
Harold Brown
R.O. (Pop) Stone
Roy McGovern
Ralston Crouch
Arthur Robison
Paul Dugan
S.C. Stacey
Orville McCollough
Leo Mohr
Grant Brissman
Dan Thomas
Frank Palicki
Bob Eriksen
Lyman H. Johnson
Dwain Wyant
Bill Baugher
Ed Jacques
Maurice Arnold
J.E. (Bud) Rettke
Chuck Thompson
Wayne Godfrey
Bob Brown
Harold Peterson- Larry Epperly
Dick Lincoln
Gerry Huiskamp
Rene Ericksen
Cliff Reckhemmer
Dick Quigg
Ray Coyle, Jr.
Miriam Ralston
Jack Knepp
John L. Hoffman
Bob Brown
Gene McGonigle
William Epperly
William Everingham
Terry Brandt
Dale Muller
Judy Kale
Doug Boemecke
Merlyn Raber
Karla Buckrop- Lester
James Hughes
Charles Johnson
Cindy Hoffman
Jim Epperly
Donna Hall
Chuck Hughes
Brent Ovens
Jack Knepp
Jim Hudson
Kathie Seabert Beck
John Ryan
Cathy Edwards
Lory VanBlair
Jim Huiskamp
Steve Wilson
Caron Nugent
John Peters
Beau Brandt
John R. Hoffman
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1952 1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999-2000
2001-2002
2003-2004
2005
2006
2007-2008
2009
2010
2011-2012
2013-2014
2015-2016
2017-2019
2020-2023
2024